by Amanda Beisel 

There is one precious protein that stands above all when it comes to preserving the health and radiance of your skin and body - Collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies making up 75% of our skin and 30% of the protein in our bodies. It literally holds us together, like glue. It is found in skin, hair, nails, tendons, ligaments, as well as many other places.  

This precious protein is abundantly rich in our bodies as children and slowly declines with the natural aging process. Studies show that our bodies begin to produce less collagen once we hit the age of 25. Factors that rapidly increase the degradation of collagen are sugar consumption, UV exposure, refined foods, stress, and smoking. So eating healthy, and making positive lifestyle choices are key in preserving your collagen.   

The great news is there are holistic methods to support continued collagen formation, and slow down the rate at which is declines. Committing to a holistic wellness plan that nurtures your collagen will improve the health and wellbeing of your entire body.    

Top 2 Skin Care Ingredients Proven to Promote Collagen 

Vitamin A and Vitamin C are your night-and-day collagen-promoting dream team. 

Vitamin A
Proven by science again and again, there is no topical ingredient more powerful for synthesizing collagen production than Vitamin A. Vitamin A in its popular forms retinol and retinaldehyde, is your night time ally that works it’s skin regenerating magic while you sleep. Aside from its collagen benefits it regulates healthy cell turnover keeping your skin looking fresh, radiant and glowing all year round. 

Vitamin C 
Your daytime skin-brightening, collagen-promoting Vitamin C serum works alongside vitamin A to keep your collagen game strong. It is important to wear your vitamin C during the day because it protects your skin from free radical damage and collagen degradation from the sun. L-ascorbic acid is the most potent form of Vitamin C available but remember it is also the most unstable, so look for a product that is in powder form that is mixed directly into a water-based serum every morning.  

Effective Holistic Treatments To Stimulate Collagen 

Micro-needling 
This non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment uses microscopic needles to target a diverse range of skin concerns, such as acne scars, lines, and wrinkles. It is derived from ancient acupuncture techniques, has minimal risk, and shows long-term results in repairing and rejuvenating the skin. The tiny needles glide along the skin, leaving tiny punctures in the epidermis and dermis that encourage the skin’s own natural healing response stimulating the formation of collagen. 

Cosmetic Acupuncture 
Cosmetic acupuncture works in two ways. First, it helps the body let go of stress, restoring and balancing equilibrium, while calming the mind. This sets the body up to heal and regenerate on its own terms, a process that starts to show up on your face almost immediately. Cosmetic acupuncture also targets the health and function of the skin more directly via tiny micropunctures that stimulate collagen production. Plus it addresses the signs of aging by refreshing and re-awakening the skin with increased blood flow, oxygen and the life force energy called “chi”. This infusion of energy and oxygenated blood slows down the signs of aging and softens the appearance of lines and wrinkles. 

Supplements That Build Collagen 

Collagen Supplements 
There are well over 10 different types of collagen in our body and Type 1 collagen is the most abundant making up almost 90% of the collagen in our body and it is considered to be the strongest.  When choosing a collagen supplement you will be presented with varying sources the most common being marine or bovine, both these sources contain Type 1 collagen. Look for the term hydrolyzed as well this means that it will protein will be broken down into smaller peptides making it more absorbable.  

Vitamin C Supplement 
Vitamin C is needed for the production of collagen. If we have too little Vitamin C in our bodies, we simply cannot produce collagen. Supplementing with Vitamin C alongside your collagen supplement is key for it to be effective. Eating lots of Vitamin C rich foods like citrus fruits, and berries is another great way to stay support your collagen.  

Nutrition Foods That Support Collagen 

Bone Broth 
What once seemed to be a trend doesn’t seem to going away anytime soon. Bone broth, a stock made primarily from the bones and connective tissue of animals or fish, is one of the best sources of natural collagen. Time and time again it has proven to be a transformational food in many people lives providing head to toe healing benefits. This collagen rich food heals the gut lining, supports a healthy immune system, detoxifies the body and encourages healthy skin.

Spirulina  
Spirulina is one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet, and a powerful protein source for vegans and vegetarians. Remember collagen is a protein, made up of amino acids, and spirulina is 65% amino acids making it a must-have in any collagen-promoting program. Just add a scoop of spirulina to your morning smoothie and you have a great vegetarian protein source to support your collagen.